SMEs: Prepare for the electronic invoicing reform coming in 2026
- Elise Dejour
- 7 days ago
- 2 min read
How can SMEs best prepare for mandatory electronic invoicing?
Electronic invoicing will become mandatory in France for all businesses from 2026. This reform represents a real transformation for SMEs, both technically and organizationally. To avoid difficulties, it is essential to start preparing now. Here is a practical guide to help you anticipate this change.
1. Take inventory
First and foremost, you need to understand where your business stands. Analyze your current billing processes: tools used, document flows, integration with your ERP, data quality. This will help you identify weaknesses and prepare for an effective transition.
2. Involve the right stakeholders
Electronic invoicing affects several departments: finance, accounting, IT, senior management, etc. It is important to involve these teams from the outset. A successful project requires cross-functional coordination. Appoint an internal project manager to oversee preparations and ensure communication between departments.
3. Sensibiliser ses équipes
Process change requires collective buy-in. Educate your teams about the benefits: increased productivity, regulatory compliance, reduced errors. Clear communication from the outset will facilitate adoption of the new solution.
4. Choose a compatible and suitable solution
Electronic invoicing requires the use of specific formats, such as Factur-X, UBL, or CII. You also need to be connected to an approved platform. ERP plays a key role: it must be able to generate, send, and receive invoices in these formats. Choosing the right solution ensures a smooth transition.
💡 For SMEs, a modern ERP system such as Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, combined with a certified partner platform, offers a comprehensive solution: format management, regulatory compliance, and seamless integration with existing systems.
5. Check and prepare your data
Data quality is an essential prerequisite. Check that customer and supplier information is complete and correct: SIREN, VAT, contact details, etc. Cleaning and structuring this data will prevent errors when sending or receiving electronic invoices.
6. Test before deployment
With the reform scheduled for 2026, 2025 should be used for testing. Conduct pilot tests with your partners and suppliers to identify any potential issues. This will allow you to adjust your processes before the full transition to electronic invoicing.
7. Train your teams
An electronic invoicing project is not limited to technical implementation. You need to train your employees so that they can master the new tools and processes. Prepare training sessions tailored to each department concerned.
SMEs in Switzerland and electronic invoicing: are you affected?
If you only invoice in Switzerland: there is no direct obligation at present, but the move towards electronic invoicing is encouraged and increasingly required in certain sectors (healthcare, administration). If you work with customers or suppliers in France or the EU: you will be indirectly affected, as your partners will require electronic invoices that comply with European standards.
The key to a successful transition to electronic invoicing lies in preparation, involving the right stakeholders, choosing a suitable solution, and providing adequate training for teams.
Comments